A Simple Bad Habit Most Riders Have!

Today the IRC Tire Guy shows the importance of covering the front brake.

[@Scottpotter248]

Thank you for not having click bait titles, keep up the good work man it’s awesome

[@andybucher452]

Man, the quality and detail of your explanations just amazes me. By far the best I've seen. Thanks for the effort you put into this. It really helps and is appreciated. Greetings from England, AndyB

[@aussiebaz5363]

I'm pushing 70 and only fairly recently acquired a modern bike that actually has a front brake that works. 50 years of riding old MX bikes where you didn't even bother to try to pull the lever as it was almost pointless, a gradual slow down at best. Then, piloting an RMX Suzuki on the trails, I realised just how exciting it was to actually be able to lock the front wheel at speed, very interesting to say the least. Leaving a finger on the lever and still working the throttle is the go, excellent clip, great advice, trials riders have been doing this since Christ was a boy.

[@f5tornadeau]

Lol. Last bike I rode was my dad’s 82 Husqvarna 430 (mine now) a long time ago. Just bought a 2010 KTM 200 and using the front brake and clutch for the first time: “holy shit! That’s crazy!”

[@angryman3317]

I'm 29, had many two-strokes from 75 to 250 over the years, best bike I've ever had is 97 kx250, even sold my 2017 yz250 recently to fund a rebuild and resto. There's just something about the old Japanese steel frames.

[@motrock93b]

Very true, with the exception of CZ motorcycles. My 1971 CZ will lock it's front wheel on pavement easily with two fingers. This has created some interesting moments in Vintage MX races where the other rider waits to shut off later into a corner and can't stop as fast. I love this video (and my CZ).

[@sethparker4624]

'The clutch is how we set the mood' Love it! Great analogy with a twist of player! 😂

[@stephenphillips1485]

No joke man, I have only been subscribed to your page for about a week. I took 18 years off from riding and just recently got back on a 250. Your instructional videos have been helping remember and improve my trail riding alot! I appreciate the attention to detail and the clutch cams are great

[@Versacopter]

Just found this channel! Wow! Really inspiring me to do better and work harder. I have been riding most of my 43 year life, I’m more adv now than dirt. My skills always transfer. Thank you so much!

[@SalSpaceKhan]

Just a few days of this for 30-45 minutes at a time has made such a huge difference! Blown away… thanks man!

[@bryankrot2986]

HI Rich, I learned to always keep my levers covered during riding on the SoCal freeways. In CA we can lane split on the freeways. When lane splitting at in stop and go traffic or 80+ speeds you need to be ready for the person who wants to change lanes without looking or signaling!!! Cars cut in front of me all the time so this skill gets lots of practice, can and has been a real life saver.

[@ericaworthington2675]

Two thumbs up! Excellent tips, i look forward to practicing them! Seems also useful for street bikes, especially for full-lock u-turns. Super helpful, thanks! Love this series, wish every motorcyclist watched it.

[@mechajunk5856]

The way I learned was from having a carb out of adjustment (wouldn't idle) on a gnarly long downhill singletrack. You could probably adapt this into training by adjusting the idle so it won't run without throttle, and have a clutch-in "slow race" down a hill where you control the speed with the front brake while trying to keep the bike running.

[@sqlb3rn]

I've had that issue too... I personally wouldn't purposely make my bike run like shit just for throttle and front brake practice tho.

[@Thedakattack98]

Yaaaa I have that same thing idles really high also have to adjust the jets too

[@Galaxie212]

Love your channel, your professionalism, and your skills. I’m excited for spring here in northern Alberta and my first ride on my new 2023 CRF450RL.

[@richardrussell1025]

I have rode for so many years but probably picked up so much knowledge in a shorter time watching these videos. Now i just need to get out this weekend and start practicing

[@zengerry366]

This is awesome. I cover the front brake most of the time. I never thought of the skill to be able to control throttle and brake at the same time.

[@paulaalvarezvidal2646]

Estos vídeos son increíbles: claros, concisos, motivantes...Spot on! Best teacher on Enduro, I ever watched. Thanks!

[@mariusmartinsen2064]

Most underrated enduro channel on the KZbin.

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Great vid, thanks. Same thing about covering the brake applies in back country snowmobiling. Riders will sometimes cook their brakes in hillclimb races…up hills. Counterintuitive but true.

[@ddrowdy7666]

no Rich, these videos are never "too long", thanks.

[@4ndomestic]

These tutorials are extremely helpful, thx! Would love to see you shred a Sur-Ron sometime.

[@thailandmopedadventures611]

And AGAIN a great Lesson - thanks Rich!

[@gary6449]

I've been "kind of" doing this for some time now - Rich always does a *great* job of explaining the details and "connecting the dots" !

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Glad I could help!

[@barryhallsack8852]

Thanks again for all the tips and all the awesome videos Cheers!!!!!!!!!

[@jasonbaugh6904]

Thanks for your vid’s and drills they’ve helped my progress quickly in a short amount of time. Keep up the good work! 🤙🏻

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

I’m glad I can help with your progression!

[@dznnf7]

The best instructional videos on the web. Great job Rich; you've got a real talent!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the support!!

[@lumberjaxe8910]

I clicked because the video was under 10 minutes and glad i did. Awesome instructions and Balance Mate.

[@curtiswilkinson9379]

Thanks Rich. The best training tips out there. I would love to be able to ride like you one day.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks so much for watching! I’m glad to help! Keep hammering you’ll be there in no time!

[@mmetz1877]

Great tips, thanks!

[@Dowent]

Important skill on the road/track as well, when you are going into corner, you trail brake towards the apex, gradually increasing front brake as well as blipping for downshifts.

[@newenglandbarbell4647]

Great video, thanks Rich.

[@fran3570]

Rich, that was one of the best training videos I have seen in a while. Great job! As soon as I get a smaller bike, I am gonna get some lessons from you. I'll definitely be sending folks over to your page.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thank you so much for the support! Hit me up any time!!

[@tedantares2751]

Impressive, as always!

[@pauberrymon5892]

SIMPLE to understand but as you said not everyone can do it, Great Safety advice, I've been doing that for years, starting with Bicycles, then Bikes, 4 Wheelers, ect. Anything with a front brake on the throttle side of the handlebars.👍👍👍😎

[@rhopping9683]

Love this! I've learned a ton from your videos, thanks! Coming from mountain bikes its natural for me to cover both levers and feels weird without. However my challenge comes on the steep long hill climbs I can't cover the lever and hang on while keeping on the throttle hard. Is it a grip thing for me that i need to adjust, I just need to get stronger, or on the fast wide open-ish hill climbs, is it ok to just grip the throttle? Thx again

[@UTPP]

How easy did Rich make that Creek crossing looking at 1.54! My bike would have been drowned for sure. Legend rider!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Front brake and balance!! Thanks for watching!!

[@Texastrailrider]

The only place I can use both simultaneously right now is in turns, mainly in the woods. It can really help tighten your corner when that tree on the outside is closer than you thought.

[@SwormCycles]

I love the dog just watching and hangin out.

[@human1513]

Thank you so much.

[@neillongtine8479]

Man thanks for this info it is really helping my riding!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks for watching glad to help!!

[@s3uoq]

You had me at "set the mood" 😅

[@redbilly5972]

I have always had a finger on the front brake. Habbit. I used to ride when I was a teenager. Now that I'm 56 I figured I would get My MC endorsement. At the Harley school they have that bike on a trailer and I mounted it automatically putting My finger on the front brake. She yelled at Me "why do you have you finger on the brake " l instantly said to Myself this ain't the class for Me. I ride an adventure bike now and didn't realize how much I use My front brake. Great video Thank you 🤙

[@furyss1tv184]

Been working on this and thanks for the reassurement that that's what I need to be doing

[@kauabarros9638]

Bro your like my KZbin university professor 🤣thanks for all the vids tho it’s helping me a lot 🤘🏽

[@Cloud-rp4ev]

Again, EXCELLENT!!

[@TheJumpn]

I could only dream to be half that good. Thank you for your videos!

[@phillipgrigg7644]

Excellent as usual

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@DenisElpashev]

Great advice, you got me guilty as charged with that :) But for my excuse, I was covering front brake all the time except when trying to do stainding slow wheelie, I thought it would be easier to pull the bars back with full grip, without finger on a brake. Now I see how I was wrong, with brake you can compress the forks much more and not need to pull that hard at all... But still feels a little awkward at the beginning, needs more training, but now I'm on the right way, thanks to your great explanation 👍🤙✊

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

It will become natural! Thanks for watching!

[@Cross-Country-Biker]

As always a top tip, thanks Mr Larsen 🤙

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

🙌 Thanks for watching!!

[@lucadisiena2990]

I’m loving the videos man 💪💪

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@elgringoec]

More cool stuff to practice!

[@donaldgrant9067]

Just recently started riding again and found myself not attacking the track but reacting to it and making moves like this. So now I go out in my back yard and run ovels both ways to get use to using the clutch and getting back to attacking the corners again. That may sound strange to many of you, but I believe in it.

[@mtnduck3674]

I probably would have walked and spotted the driver through. Glad you guys are okay. Oh yeah- seat belts are a good idea...

[@bikelife_317]

Rich dropping golden knowledge again.

[@garretthorner]

This is definitely something I struggle with. I’ve developed the habit of using my rear brake to help get the front wheel in the air which is just the wrong way to go about it. I’ve been trying to learn to use the front more for months. I can use the front when I pivot turn to the right but I can only use the rear when I’m pivoting left or doing wheelie/double blip going forward 😂 Good content thanks, Rich 🤙

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Great to be able to do it both ways!! Thanks for watching!

[@videosbruno]

Thanks for the vid!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks for watching

[@krazy.88]

i need to learn to use breaks to control power of machine, especially rear break, since i got proper mx boots few days ago it feels so weird without much feeling at feet fingers. but i use finger on a front break to have better control over throttle, it helps me to make fine adjustment to the throttle. i got my first real mx bike after 20years of dreaming, and it was wicked past 2 weeks. i cant sleep much, i just wanna ride, even tho i feel pain in my whole body, specially arm pump.

[@Bodie2020]

Dragging front or rear brake when cornering to set the tire in turns

[@CrustyMac300]

Okay, got it. Which finger for the clutch and which finger for the front brake? I've seen both the index and middle finger. I've used both. And what two fingers if not the one finger for both clutch and brake? Thanks! Awesome content

[@aeror115]

Thanks man

[@claudioteixeira5917]

Top tips 👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@renato771ktm]

Excelente como siempre!!!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Muchas Gracias!!

[@billb295]

Ive always covered the front brake, never let my finger/s off it. & clutch, I never full grip either side. I actually feel strange full gripping like im out of control ; ) Really liking your vids.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Great habit!

[@medyaker2]

So true. Coming from mountain bikes... full grip on the throttle just feels weird. Always one finger on the clutch and brake.

[@freakingdesign2048]

Hi Rich, I was interested in the way you could move around on your footpegs. What boots are you wearing? Your ankle looks like they have a lot of flex in them.

[@jaya8352]

What levers are you using that clear you index finger on the bars? I see that at least on the clutch side you keep your index finger on the bars and pull the lever with your middle finger. Which finger do you cover the front brake with?

[@motominded5275]

awesome vid! That left to right cone pivot turn ar beginning was next level. When I'm doing pivots I usually have pressure on that rear pedal and drag it a bit, going to right with right foot off brake is pretty damn impressive, any tips there?

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

I definitely practice it both ways sometimes I drag the rear but I also have the ability to do it without dragging. It’s all about complete control.

[@czierwo]

Absolutely true! Heck, how can anyone ride dirtbike unable to multitask first place? On another note, everyone bashing the IRC tires that both grom and Z125pro comes equipped as standard. Calling them shitty. Well, so I brought my fully stock Z125Pro rolling on those shitty IRCs to the track and put whole tuned Grom gang to a sad place. All those exhausts, cams, flashes, oversized brake rotors, braided brake lines and racing tires were no match lol! On a hot day, they sure stick well enough to drag pegs leaving bragging boys club in the dust lol! Peace!

[@mtscott]

Good video for slow control. Now…was the dog the teacher or a pupil? 😁👍🏻

[@JH-pd1bl]

Hi Rich, As always, fantastic video. Can you give us your thoughts on the M5B and wether or not you use the matching front tire? I have switched back and forth on the front tire but won't use anything but the M5 here is SoCal as an all around do anything, go anywhere beast. (2020 KTM 300TPI x 130-18)

[@bryankrot2986]

HI JH. I live in SoCal as well. I was recently on some fire roads in Lucerne Valley and the tire seemed sketchy on the hard pack roads. It climbed hills great but was squirrelly on the hard roads. I know that the tire wasn't made fore this but just wondering why you like the tire so much.

[@JH-pd1bl]

@@bryankrot2986 Honestly I have a friend who can wholesale me just about any tire I want, so I've tried a bunch....and I always go back to the M5B, and so do the majority of my riding buddies (Except 1 guy that runs a trials rear tire...Really??)I've run the M5B on my 500 as well as my 300 and love how it will go anywhere. I don't ride much fire road but do agree it sucks on real hardpan-So I ride diffrent areas (Piute's, Bean Canyon, Dove Springs, Gorman (Snowy trail ect), Flagstaff and few secret places and I love it.) I ran a Buds Creek sticky front tire for a long time and switched to the matching IRC front tire and like it although it has alot of sidebite when running rutty single track. Having said that I'm sticking with IRC front and rear. I ran a 140 on my four stroke and the 130 on my 300 and although it seems to not be very popular, I use first gear in the technical stuff that I ride all the time and can pull the 130 no problem through 6th gear. ( I did play with my power valve to get there though)

[@endurovinnitsa9345]

Does your front brake lever adjusted closer to the handlebar? So your finger is always half bend

[@scottlee2753]

Good video yes it takes time to get use to. I do 2 fingers on clutch and brake. I never do it right with 1 finger. What works best for me.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

👍👍

[@sqlb3rn]

This guy is like watching trial riding on a full size dirt bike

[@harveysmith552]

What are your thoughts on the beta RR 200 race edition? I would really appreciate your opinion thanks faithful watcher

[@chaosa.d.7437]

Nice bike

[@blammela]

This is SO hard for me. Small girl hands and arthritis knuckles make this really straining. I cover the clutch just fine though.

[@skigod9]

Track guys know using front brake in turns when on throttle helps a ton. Loads the front tire for better traction and also can help with lean angle

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

You got that right.

[@mikesteele1789]

Do you ever come to n idaho? I would love a day trip with you.

[@AndrzejPrzybyla-st9qo]

How far apart you put your pilons when you turn between them

[@YouTenaza]

It's fun to me the tons of times i've heard people imply that if you are using the front brake you can't apply gas. Rev maching while braking is a usefull enough skill by itself to do it even if you're not interested in a "racing/enduro skillset".

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Exactly!

[@gj74]

Sorry to have missed your demo in Green River. Saw you at breakfast one day though 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Why didn’t you say what’s up!?!? 👍 next time!

[@Iri5hman]

really funny to me that i naturally put my finger on the front brake while riding at first, like i didn't even think about "yea i want to be able to cover the front brake at all times" and i was told by the MSF guys to not do that. suppose theres always alot to learn when riding haha

[@louisdoucet1498]

2019 I trained with Graham I can hear him yell at me Always Cover your front levers and at 55 years of age I had to reprogram my brain, now I am teaching my 17 year old daughter on a Yamaha tx 250 to only ride that way. I now know Larson's position on this.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Right on!! Glad the King Graham does!!

[@alejogg]

super cool you are teaching your daughter

[@michael397]

I think your dog knows better than us😂

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

He runs a tight ship.

[@scottalden8642]

I have watched your clutch videos but I find, especially with this drill I don’t understand how to use the front brake and the throttle at the same time. Can you show a close up of your throttle hand fitting this drill?

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

At 23 seconds 3:14 seconds as well as 4:35 on, you can really see exactly what I’m doing with my finger and throttle. It’s a lot about a gentle drag of the front brake and a constant input of slight throttle.

[@Tklatti01]

What brand levers are you using? They look nice and wide(wider =more comfortable imo)

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

There Off Grid Syndicate levers truly they are the same as stock. They just break away

[@robsonenduro3316]

nice one, BTW car rally racers are doing this all the time

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Rad

[@Nico3dd]

Why do you use the middle left finger to clutch? Is it bc of grip? I'm used to the point finger, is it bad?

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

I just learned that way. One way isn't necessarily better than the other. Stick to what you are comfortable with.

[@Tibingi84]

Well, at least I’m doing one thing right 😅

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Right on!!!

[@Catman1987]

i never put my fingers near that front break lever , ever on a dirt bike , thats a mouth full of dirt dirt .

[@uncletom1971]

Bike kung-fu at its best.

[@waynesimpson2074]

Stationary double step? How do wind on enough throttle with the brakes jammed on simultaneously?

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

I think you’re talking about when I’m stuffing into an obstacle? I’m slipping the clutch just enough to put pressure into the obstacle. But I’m IN enough of the friction zone to be able to increase the rpm. Then I release everything simultaneously.

[@waynesimpson2074]

@@IRCTireUSAMoto but you'll need to be ready for the second step?

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Hmmm I'm not sure what you mean. Sorry, but regardless, covering the front brake with one finger makes you MORE ready for any obstacle.

[@waynesimpson2074]

​@@IRCTireUSAMoto Ok thanks for the quick replies. At the end of this video is my query kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3_JpHaAg85od8k I can't see if Smage is covering the front brake here or not? I have attempted these types of double steps but if I cover the front brake on a lower powered/smaller cc bike then I can't get enough power generated ( due to the small rotational angle on the throttle) if I cover the front brake as well?

[@thehungryhunter3454]

What's the brace you're wear on your right arm? It looks like something for carpal tunnel

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

This is a Mobius Brace. I have a broken Scaphoid.

[@thehungryhunter3454]

@@IRCTireUSAMoto That sucks I hope it heals quick !

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

It’s permanently broken. Haha.

[@yzrippin]

Nah m9 its thumb index and pinky on the trottle middle and ring finger covers and modulates brake

[@karllindberg4830]

Probably a stupid question but does this apply even in GNCC riding as well? Of covering the front brake 100% of the time

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

It’s definitely preference. But the point is being able to add throttle and front brake at the same time. I personally cover 100% of the time.

[@karllindberg4830]

@@IRCTireUSAMoto I see in the video you use your pointer finger vs your middle finger to cover your front brake. Interested to see which finger to use to make it easier to use the throttle

[@xtsupermotard]

Get a exc 500 and do hill climbs while covering the front brake all the time. Good luck

[@urbanex_]

🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@phillippearce9680]

👍

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

🙌🙌

[@m3hsid10]

Love your content and expertise! I have one small constructive comment. When you point up to your left to refer to other videos I haven't actually seen the thumbnail ever pop up on the screen while you're speaking.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

That’s KZbin. It’s there for most people.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks for watching!!

[@m3hsid10]

@@IRCTireUSAMoto Thank you for your reply. I just learned something.

[@m3hsid10]

@@IRCTireUSAMoto Thank you so much for your content! You've got some serious skills and your also a great teacher!!! Rare combination for sure.

[@nathangraham7248]

What kind of levers are you using and are they more benifitial then stock. I have a 2022 300xc

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

They are Offgrid Syndicate Levers. 👍 same as stock but they are break always.

[@robertmahaney6831]

if your a moto guy you may even discover by accident when holding the front tire in a rut

[@chestonbeck9569]

I cover it……most the time…..sometimes…..🤣

[@dirtbikesicehockey4788]

My biggest problem is my death grip I have on the grips even though 85% of the time I have a finger on the brake and clutch.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

We’re going to be doing a video on arm pump soon that I think will help. That being said it’s all about body position.

[@carlatamanczyk3891]

I've always covered my front brake.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

You’re ahead of the curve!